A Local’s Guide to Padiham; Things to Do for Wedding Guests

When it comes to organising a wedding, it’s always a lovely time when you get to sit down and make a list of all of your loved ones who you would like to invite. Nowadays, as it’s not uncommon for friends and family to live in a different part of the country to your dream wedding venue you may find wedding guests choose to stay the night of your wedding rather than having to journey home. Naturally you want to make sure they are looked after, and one of the benefits of booking a hotel wedding venue is the opportunity for you and your guests to easily and effortlessly make your way to your beautifully appointed rooms after you have finished dancing the night away.

Often, wedding guests will not just book to stay for the wedding night but will add on a few extra days after the wedding as a little mini break to explore the area you have chosen to say ‘I do’ in.

Where Is Padiham?

Our beautiful hotel, The Lawrence, is located in stunning Lancashire in the small, picturesque town of Padiham in the borough of Burnley in the UK. Nestled in the foothills of Pendle Hill with the River Calder meandering through, and at its heart a growing vibrant community of creative independent shops, it’s not hard to see why guests choose to stay and explore.

Exploring Padiham Town

Padiham has the perfect mix of history and heritage with independent trading dating back to 1294. Indeed, the underlying medieval footprint which gave way to a Victorian township has created a market town with stunning architecture making it a must-visit destination. You’ll lose track of time just wandering and gazing at the remarkable buildings, stopping for a quick rest in a local café to recharge those energy levels before continuing to explore. You’ll find more than a few incredible independent shops to pop into for a unique memento of your time away. You may come across the Grade II listed Padiham Town Hall as you wander, designed by Bradshaw Gass & Hope, which houses Padiham library. Or perhaps the former Padiham Building Society headquarters, another listed building which interestingly has a large underground vault, you can only imagine the riches that used to be kept there!

A Journey Back in Time at Gawthorpe Hall

But it isn’t just the architecture of the town centre which makes Padiham such a special place. Surrounded by countryside on the edge of the Ribble Valley, its green open spaces and woodland provide the stunning location for the grand Gawthorpe Hall. This Jacobean historic house is truly a sight to behold, as are the 40 acres of woodland within which the hall is set. On a visit to Gawthorpe Hall you can explore the Hall and be transported back to the Victorian era to see what life was like for the Kay-Shuttleworth family with pieces of their original furniture, paintings and portraits in situ in rooms redesigned by Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the original 17^th century panelling and plasterwork and experience the exceptional Long Gallery. Outside Gawthorpe Hall you are welcome to explore the woods and see who can be first to spot Pendle Hill!

Taking The Scenic Path

If you’re feeling energetic, or perhaps you need to walk off the indulgences of the wedding celebrations, there’s a scenic 4-mile circular walk to take advantage of. As you journey from Gawthorpe Hall along the Brontë Way, taking in the landscapes which inspired the acclaimed literary works of the Brontë sisters Charlotte, Emily and Anne, you’ll wander past the ancient woodland of Hagg Wood before dropping down to walk alongside the River Calder. Continuing further, you’ll join the Burnley Way which will lead you through Grove Lane Plantation. Showing yet another aspect of Padiham’s historical past, this Burnley Way section of the walk will see you following the same pathway which used to be the track of an old coal ginny tram that transported coal from the Habergham Colliery pit to Padiham across the valley.

Visit Padiham Memorial Park

If you love spending time in the outdoors surrounded by nature, but the thought of a 4-mile walk isn’t quite your cup of tea, then a visit to the Padiham Memorial Park could be just perfect. Designed by Thomas Mawson, a prolific landscape designer, it is a memorial to those from Padiham who lost their lives in WWI and subsequently WWII. The park was officially opened in 1921 with additions such as the bowling greens, tennis courts and bandstand over the subsequent years of 1923/24 and 1927 respectively. Split across two sites, linked by a riverside walk along the River Calder, the upper site at the top of Padiham is a nature lovers’ haven filled with flower beds, shrubberies and a rose garden. Whereas the lower site is perfect for those who enjoy activities such as tennis, or crown green bowling, and there is also an area for ball games and a skate park.

Staying at The Lawrence

With all this exercise, rather than walking back to The Lawrence you might just want to jump in a taxi and who would blame you! In Padiham you’ll find a number of taxi and private hire firms to use to get you back to the luxury and relaxation of The Lawrence. And if you’re heading out for the day or night and need help with recommendations then our friendly team will be able to assist and also call you a taxi, so all you have to do is enjoy yourself.

So there you have it, booking your wedding with us at The Lawrence with our stunning venue and exceptional staff, we’ll not only make sure you have your dream wedding, but we’ll also look after your guests. And if they choose to give us the honour of being guests with us for a little longer, we’ll help to show them all that Padiham has to offer.

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